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JUST FOR TODAY

– Take time once a day to stop and think. Reflection is good for the soul.

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Recently, the wife of a good friend passed away due to cancer. She was a great gal who was normally vibrant and sharp as a tack. As a part of her memorial service, I was asked to read from a slip of newspaper she had kept on her refrigerator for the last few years, and something she read daily as she fought her disease. It was a quote from Abigail Van Buren (Pauline Phillips), the original Dear Abbey, the famed advice columnist. It was titled, “Just for Today,” offering advice on how to live each day.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will live through this day only. I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow. I will not set far-reaching goals or try to overcome all of my problems at once.

I know that I can do something for 24 hours that would overwhelm me if I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will be happy. I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me. If my mind fills with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will accept what is. I will face reality. I will correct those things that I can correct and accept those I cannot.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will improve my mind. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration. I will not be a mental loafer.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable. I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path, and I’ll not speak ill of others. I will improve my appearance, speak softly, and not interrupt when someone else is talking. Just for today, I will refrain from improving anybody but myself.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will do something positive to improve my health. If I’m a smoker, I’ll quit. If I’m overweight, I will eat healthfully — if only for today. And not only that, I will get off the couch and take a brisk walk, even if it’s only around the block.

JUST FOR TODAY, I will gather the courage to do what is right and take the responsibility for my own actions.

There are other “Just for Today” postings on the Internet, but I prefer Van Buren’s version. These are some fine words which everyone should observe. They were a source of solace to my friend’s wife as she fought her battle with cancer. Perhaps there is someone else you know who may be comforted by these words, which I advise to you to pass on to.

Keep the Faith!

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